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DESTINY FULFILLED
Destiny's Child
(Columbia-Sony)
It's a mystery to me why hugely successful solo artist Beyonce Knowles would want to return to her R&B-pop trio after bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams didn't fare nearly as well on their own.
Perhaps contractual obligations? Or maybe the fact that Destiny's Child is a marketable brand that have sold 40 million albums worldwide?
Whatever the reason, the new Destiny's Child disc -- their first since 2001's Survivor -- showcases the threesome's penchant for catchy hooks, soaring gospel-like harmonies and memorable samples.
Particularly appealing in that regard is the opening track and first single, Lose My Breath, a fiercely sexy song fuelled by a college football-like drumline, jerky synths and panting vocals courtesy of songwriter-co-producer Rodney Jerkins.
Also good is the '70s Philly-soul-drenched Girl, If, and Free, and the mid-tempo pop tracks Bad Habit, Through With Love and Love.
Not working nearly as well is the too-smooth R&B ballad, Cater 2 U, another collaboration with Jerkins and the overtly sexual T-Shirt.
Farthest afield from the Destiny's Child signature sound is the crunked-up Soldier -- with guest rappers Lil Wayne and T.I. -- and it's the least appealing track on the 12-song collection.
It feels like a calculated move to appeal to a more urban audience -- but it fails miserably.
Track Listing
1. Lose My Breath
2. Soldier
3. Cater 2 U
4. T-Shirt
5. Is She The Reason
6. Girl
7. Bad Habit
8. If
9. Free
10. Through With Love
11. Love
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